Secretary Dureza, Usec. Camara grace Lanao Convergence of Peace
Iligan City, Philippines
March 27, 2017
Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Undersecretary Philip Camara of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) visited Lanao del Norte to participate in the “Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw” or Convergence For Peace.
Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Undersecretary Philip Camara of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) visited Lanao del Norte to participate in the “Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw” or Convergence For Peace.
Throughout its history, Lanao del Norte has been the subject of discord and turmoil but never has it been as peaceful and as progressive in the last few decades. The unification of the Quibranza and the Dimaopro families started it all, although minor skirmishes still exist today from the rebel groups that hide within mountainous areas and who are against the government.
Some people may think that the diversity of Lanao people is a stumbling block to the province' progress, but not in Lanao del Norte.
Some people may think that the diversity of Lanao people is a stumbling block to the province' progress, but not in Lanao del Norte.
It is a reminder that we may never repeat the past and that the unity of the people is the backbone of the land’s progressive image and the bounties it can offer.
March is celebrated as the Lanao Month of Peace, to enliven the duty to continue the peace and order in the province.
March is celebrated as the Lanao Month of Peace, to enliven the duty to continue the peace and order in the province.
In a press conference, Secretary Dureza gave an update from his office. He said of the meeting in Malaysia of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to craft a new bill that will replace the BBL for it didn’t pass in the congress and that the Malaysians will continue to support as special advisors not as facilitators anymore.
Dureza told the media their importance in informing the general public, adding, that the OPAPP is open to the media to gain trust from the people.
On the negotiation between the New People’s Army (NPA) and the government, Dureza said, the NPA wishes to call back the unilateral ceasefire but before they would do it they must contact and control their ground commanders to avoid any incident in the future.
Dureza said the next meeting between the government and the NPA would be held in The Netherlands on April 2 up to April 6.
On his part, Undersecretary Camara emphasized the DENR projects in Lanao del Norte to combat deforestation which is to plant 30,000 hectares of bamboos and 5000 hectares of mangroves.
Governor Angging Dimaporo said she was glad the DENR is giving focus now in Mindanao.
PIO-LDN
